Connectionsmember newsletter

september/october 2008www.fmanet.org

September 200814-16 EDTR Roundtable 2008:

Solutions in Seattle Seattle, Wash.16 Fundamentals of Stamping Presses Dayton, Ohio16-17 Coil Processing Workshop Alsip (Chicago), Ill. 17 FabCast–Roll Forming Basics

8 -10:30 a.m. CDT

October 20081-3 Rollforming for the Metal

Construction Industry - Conference Sessions Baltimore, Md.

6-8 Conference at FABTECH International® & AWS Welding Show

Las Vegas, Nev.

21 Steel Purchasing Fundamentals for Buyers Nashville, Tenn.

21 FabCast–Budgets and Metrics In The Fab Shop: They Need Not Be ‘Four-Letter’ Words 10 - 11:30 a.m. CDT

Details at fmanet.org

FABTECH ...................................... 1

member profile ................................ 4

education ........................................ 6

scholarship winners ........................ 8

board of directors ballot .................11

1

This is an exciting year for the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show which takes place October 6-8. For the first time the show heads to Las Vegas, extending its reach to include the west in the show’s current rotation between Chicago and Atlanta. To date, more than 900 exhibiting companies will be on hand at the Las Vegas Convention Center offering the most comprehensive array of metal forming, fabricating, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology. More than 100 of these exhibitors will be part of the show for the first time.

More Technology In addition to the new location, attendees will find an addition to the show name. Earlier this year, the Precision Metalform Association was announced as a co-sponsor for the event. This expansion brings even more to the show floor with the new METALFORM pavilion, highlighting the latest innovations in stamping technology. The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show is known for its ability to bring together the newest technology in the industry, and this year is

no exception. Beside the hundreds of pieces of new equipment up and running at the exhibitors’ booths, visitors can check the latest innovations at the New Product Theater. Conveniently located on the show floor, the New Product Theater will showcase free, 30-minute, exhibitor-led new product and technology demonstrations throughout each day of the show.

More Education Learn from 75 industry experts in one or more of the 46 practical educational sessions offered in the FABTECH conference. This year the program is refreshed and infused with 25 all-new sessions to keep you up-to-date on the emerging techniques, issues, and trends facing the metal forming and fabricating industry. Several unique sessions include Tech Tours, where attendees can advance their knowledge in the classroom and then experience the technology operating in designated booths. From process, design, and production engineers to plant managers, job shop owners, and corporate management, the FABTECH sessions provide a valuable learning experience for every member

2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show Brings More to the Show Floor

cont. on page 2

Race car driver Brennan Palmiter will be at FMA’s booth #1080 with his car on display.

2

2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show Brings More to the Show Floor cont.

of your metal fabricating operation. The information presented is designed to benefit you. Tracks are dedicated to automation, cutting, fabricating/forming, lasers, lean/operations, management, materials, processes, stamping, and tube and pipe. Your time is valuable, so why not take advantage of the additional 8 - 10 a.m. time slot Tuesday and Wednesday to start your day before the show even opens? A timetable of educational sessions with complete descriptions is available at fmafabtech.com, but check out the list of topics by day located above.

It’s not too late to register to attend North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating and welding event. Free advance registration is still available in addition to special discounts offered to all FMA/TPA members for conference registration. Session prices for members start at $165 if you register by September 12. After September 12, the price increases in each category. To register to attend the show and educational programs or to find the latest updates on featured special events, hotel reservations, exhibiting companies, and more log on to fmafabtech.com.

The FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show introducing Metalform is proud to be sponsored by Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), American Welding Society (AWS) and the Precision Metalform Association (PMA).

Monday, October 6 Tuesday, October 7 Wednesday, October 8

Roll Forming— Fundamentals (F10)

Roll Forming Tooling (F20)

New Laser 101 with Tech Tour (F11)

New Laser System Considerations for First-time Buyers (F21)

Lean 101 – Principles of Lean Manufacturing (F12)

Lean 202 – Advanced Value Stream Mapping (F22)

New Driving Up Productivity – The Key is Increasing Employee Commitment & Engagement (F13)

Strategic Planning for Job Shop Owners (F23)

R&D Tax Credit (F24)

Adding Powder Coating Capabilities to the Job Shop (F14)

Adding Liquid Paint Capabilities to the Job Shop (F25)

New What’s New in Stamping with Tech Tour (F26)

New Productive Robotics 101 for Fabricators with Tech Tour (F30)

Automated Non-contact & Vision with Tech Tour (F40)

Comparative Cutting with Tech Tour (F31)

Laser Cutting Technology (F41)

Waterjet Cutting Advancements (F50)

New Coil Slitting with Tech Tour (F32)

New Coil Leveling with Tech Tour (F42)

New Punch Presses with Tech Tour (F51)

Lean 203 – 5S Workplace Organization and Standardization (F33)

Demand Pull in the Fabrication Job Shop (F43)

Total Productive Mainten ance for the Fabrication Job Shop (F52)

New Machine Safe guarding with Tech Tour (F53)

New Why Lean Manufacturing is Green Manufacturing (F34)

New Economist Playbook for Growing your Accounts (F35)

New Market Warfare: Tactics to Increase Leads, Sales & Margins (F44)

New Seven Deadly Mistakes Manufacturers Make and How to Avoid Them (F54)

Fabricating of Stainless Steel (F45)

Introduction to Metal Formability (F36)

New Evaluating to Purchase New or Used Equipment (F46)

Solutions for Stamping Press Operations & Set-up (F55)

New Tube & Pipe Production with Tech Tour (F37)

Plasma Plate & Structural Cutting (F60)

Press Brakes with Tech Tour (F61)

New Troubleshooting Press Brakes (F70)

Optimizing High Variation Operations: Lessons for Fabricators and Specialty Manufacturers (F62)

New Cost Estimating for Job Shops (F71)

New Lean Leadership (F63)

Lean Accounting and Metrics: Scorecards for High Performance (F72)

New Fabricating of HSS (High Strength Steels) (F64)

New Press Maintenance (F65)

New Die Maintenance (F73)

New Cost Effective Hydroforming Applications (F66)

Conference Schedule Excerpt

4

Company background AICON 3D Systems focuses on the development and distribution of optical 3D measurement technologies. Our flagship product is TubeInspect, an optical tube measuring system. I founded AICON in 1990 with my fellow student Carl-Thomas Schneider after we had gathered deep knowl-edge in optical camera-based 3D metrology at Volkswagen. We clearly saw the potential of this technology that was still in its infancy at that time due to the limited performance of digital cameras and computers. AICON’s first tube measuring system was launched in the mid-nineties. Today, thanks to our long-time experience in tube bending and sheet metal form-ing, and profiting from technological progress, we offer an elaborate system for the high precision measurement of tube geometries.

How do you view the globalization of manufacturing?

Globalization is definitely a big chance for us as we offer systems that serve manufacturing companies. We profit from the world getting smaller, from the international integration of automotive and aerospace businesses and their suppliers. Let’s take the company Eaton Aerospace as an example. Eaton has not only procured our TubeInspect system for its plant in Jackson, Mich., but also for its plant in Tijuana. We have local distributors all around the world that also take care of customer service. We consider this urgently necessary. Otherwise, we would have to struggle with language problems too often. You can’t expect a Hungarian worker to speak English to us.

What is your No. 1 concern with the manufacturing in-dustry? How are you trying to make it into an opportunity instead of a concern?

Honestly, we at AICON profit from the challenges arising in the manu-facturing industry because our systems are true cost savers. For example, we see an increasing need for more accurate measuring devices and 100 percent inspection in production as tube manufacturers have to deal with smaller tolerances.

How do you find new business opportunities?

For us, exhibiting at trade shows and conferences plays a decisive role in finding new business opportunities. How else could you meet a great many of the potentially interested people in your technology in only a few days? FABTECH, for example, is a fixed date for us. Moreover, keeping a close contact with existing customers, internet research and good press relations are helpful tools.

What is the best benefit you receive from FMA? Why?

I definitely profit from the up-to-date news and publications I receive.This makes it easy for me to stay informed about what happens in the tube sector. Of course, I also appreciate the networking opportunity FMA offers.

Anything else you’d like to share with fellow members?

I just want to wish good luck to everyone. Maybe there will be the chance to meet fellow members at the upcoming shows – I’m looking for-ward to a productive exchange of ideas!

Member Profile: AICON 3D Systems, Braunschweig, Germany

AICON President Werner Boesemann

Want Your Company Profiled Like AICON 3D Systems? FMA is currently seeking member companies to profile in upcoming Connections newsletters. Here’s your chance to get your name and expertise in front of your fellow members.

To receive author guidelines and an author agreement, contact Kimberly Pollard at kimp@fmanet.org. The deadline for the November/December issue is September 12. The issue your company appears in is on a first come, first served basis. It is to your advantage to turn in a profile early.

see more details on pg. 10

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Drive the Fast Track to Metal Forming Success Stampers, Hydroformers Start Your Engines for the 6th Annual STAMPING Journal Forum

Get the answers to your most pressing metal forming questions October 27-28 in Indianapolis. The newly expanded program will bring stamping, tooling, and hydroforming professionals together to discuss the latest materials, processes, and innovations that are transforming the way metal is formed. The Forum features three technology tracks, a roundtable discussion, three plant tours, exhibits, and networking opportunities that will provide updates on all the crucial elements of your metal forming operations. Pick your track to success and advance your knowledge of the latest research and development in technical presentations on such topics as: forming high strength materials, objective die costing, die sensing, liquid impact forming, and much more. Hear keynote presentations analyzing economic and automotive industry trends by FMA economist Dr. Chris Kuehl and STAMPING Journal columnist Bernard Swiecki. Share your own knowledge and success stories at the Stamping Roundtable. See first hand how you can apply the latest research and development to your operations when Carrier Corp., Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and Purdue University’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing open their doors. Leading suppliers such as Schuler, Wayne Trail Technologies, Wilson Tool International, Bohler- Uddeholm, Crucible Materials Corp., Richter Precision, Inc., and IRMCO will be exhibiting possible solutions for your press and tooling challenges. Most importantly, take the time to network on issues specific to the metal forming industry. Make valuable industry contacts you can utilize for years to come over appetizers and drinks during the two evening networking receptions. Be an industry driver and gain the competitive edge. Go to fmanet.org or call 888-394-4362 today for details and registration.

Networking and Innovations

On Oct. 28th from 4:30-6 p.m., local young professionals and area fabricators and manufacturers interested in networking and seeing the development of new processes and innovations are welcome to attend the tour and reception at Purdue University’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

PSMO Certification Exam debuts at FABTECH! The Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) Level I Certification Exam is now ready and available for YOU! After years of development, FMA is introducing its PSMO Certification exam this fall. If you work in precision sheet metal fabrication, your certification will gain you recognition and provide an affirmation of your achievements. Companies will use this valuable assessment tool to acquire skilled and proven workers who can more effectively run today’s sophisticated equipment. To be eligible for PSMO Certification, candidates must complete an exam application including a supervisor’s signature and meet the following requirements: •one(1)totwo(2)yearsexperienceasamachineoperator;or •one(1)totwo(2)yearsoftechnicaltrainingfromanaccredited

program;or •successfulcompletionofaone(1)yearformally-recognized

apprenticeship program in precision sheet metal The online version of the PSMO exam is available at hundreds of testinglocationsthroughouttheworld;candidatescanchooseadateand location that is convenient for them. The cost of the exam is $245 for FMA/TPA members. Certification is valid for three (3) years.

Attending FABTECH in Las Vegas? Candidates can also register to take the paper version of the PSMO exam at the 2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in Las Vegas. Pre-registration required. Limited seating available. Learn more and download the exam application by visiting the FMA website at fmanet.org. For more information, contact us at certification@fmanet.org or 888-394-4362.

photo courtesy of WA Whitney

photo courtesy of Midwest Metals

7

Fall Programs to Advance Your Operations As summer vacations come to an end and students are readying themselves for the start of a new school year don’t miss the opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills too. With more than 25 years of experience developing educational programs FMA has built a reputation as the foremost resource for technical training in the metal processing, forming and fabricating industry. Whether public seminars, custom on-site programs, or on-demand web-based training makes the most sense, you can choose. Our goal is to help you hire and maintain the highest quality skilled work force possible. The chart to the right reflects upcoming programs for which your FMA/TPA membership entitles you to discounted prices. Can’t make it on these dates? We’ll come to you! Customizable training is available addressing an array of topics. Your organization can realize an immediate return on its investment as your employees put their training to the test right away at their own workstations. Training from FMA’s experts can help you increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce scrap and rework. Contact Jim Warren at jimw@fmanet.org or 815-227-8213 for more details.

Education AnnouncementsMark Your Calendars for Metal Matters 2009!

Save the date for Metal Matters: The Metal Fabricator’s Management Summit, FMA’s fourth annual conference. Join us March 25-27, 2009 at Carefree Resort & Villas just outside of Phoenix. The 2009 conference will deliver even more opportunities for you to find solutions to your most pressing business concerns. With expanded peer-to-peer roundtable discussions scheduled to address: economic issues, government regulations, leadership, productivity, work force development, and more, Metal Matters 2009 is a must attend for those working to move ahead in today’s competitive market.

Toll Processing ’09: The Power of ‘E’ Don’t miss FMA’s 13th Annual Toll Processing Conference March 4-6, 2009 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This world-class conference will focus on the issues of top priority to metal processors, producers, and distributors: • Economics • Employees • Education • E-commerce • Equipment

Highlights include compelling presentations on economic trends, work force challenges, and developments in new technology. Excellent networking opportunities include a welcome reception, dinner and entertainment at Pat O’Brien’s in Universal CityWalk, and a golf outing at Disney’s Osprey Ridge.

Program Date Fee Location

Coil Processing Workshop & ExpositionSept. 16-17,

2008$495

Doubletree AlsipAlsip (Chicago), Ill.

FabCast–Roll Forming BasicsSept. 17, 2008 8-10:30 a.m.

CDT$195

FabCast–Budgets and Metrics in the Fab Shop: They Need Not Be "Four-Letter" Words

Oct. 21, 2008 $99

Steel Purchasing Fundamentals for Buyers Oct. 21, 2008 $495Hotel Preston

Nashville, Tenn.

Cutting and Forming High Strength MaterialsOct. 21-22,

2008$595

Hotel PrestonNashville, Tenn.

Robotics for Fabricating Oct. 28, 2008 $395

FANUC Robotics America

Midwest Smart CenterHoffman Estates (Chicago), Ill.

Machine Safeguarding for Fabricators Nov. 5, 2008 $395Mitsubishi Laser/MC

Machinery Systems Inc.Wood Dale (Chicago), Ill.

Cutting, Punching, Trimming, and Blanking Nov. 6, 2008 $395Wilson Tool International

White Bear Lake (St. Paul), Minn.

Fundamentals of Roll Forming, an Engineering Perspective

Nov. 6, 2008 $395Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel &

Confernce CenterMarietta (Atlanta), Ga.

Advanced Concepts for the Roll Form Engineer

Nov. 7, 2008 $395Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel &

Confernce CenterMarietta (Atlanta), Ga.

FabCast–Introduction to Sheet Metal Stamping 101

Nov. 7, 200810 AM-12:30

PM CST$195

photo courtesy of Herr-Voss Stamco

For further details on any of these events visit fmanet.org/Conferences or call 888-394-4362.

2008FMA & FMA Foundation

Scholarship RecipientsA record 31 students received scholarships totaling $110,500 from FMA and the FMA Foundation

for the 2008-2009 academic school year.

$5,000 Donor Sponsored ScholarshipsWilliam Charvat IVElk Grove Village, Ill.Don & Andree Begneaud CollegeScholarshipMajor: Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Illinois

Michael Fagan*Los Altos, Calif.The Steel Family Charitable FundCollege Scholarship Major:Mechanical EngineeringWorcester Polytechnic Institute

John Piotrowski*Mount Laurel, N.J.Thomas MallanMemorial ScholarshipMajor: EngineeringDrexel University

Alanna CummingsLong Beach, Calif.Major: Sheet MetalLong Beach CityCollege

Shama IyerCanton, OhioOutside Processors Council(OPC) College ScholarshipMajor: EngineeringCornell University

Paul LynchState College, Pa.BEGNEAUD Manufacturing Inc.College ScholarshipMajor: Industrial EngineeringPenn State University

Kevin DelyserMarion, N.Y.Major: PrecisionMachiningMonroe CommunityCollege

Christopher McKelveyMarmora, N.J.Thomas Mallan Memorial ScholarshipMajor: Welding EngineeringPennsylvania College ofTechnology

Brian FreemanCarrollton, Mo.Major: IndustrialEngineering TechUniversity of CentralMissouri

Justin BushWeyerhaeuser, WisMajor: ManufacturingEngineeringUniversity ofWisconsin - Stout

Brian DaporeVersailles, OhioMajor: MechanicalEngineeringUniversity of Toledo

Brent Denton*Appleton, Wis.Major: EngineeringUniversity ofWisconsin - Madison

Ben ShappieVersailles, OhioMajor: MechanicalEngineeringUniversity of Dayton

Benjamin EilermanRossburg, OhioMajor: EngineeringThe Ohio StateUniversity

Matthew Gonitzke*Rockford, Ill.Major: AerospaceEngineeringEmbry-RiddleAeronautical University

Adam KoestersMaria Stein, OhioMajor: MechanicalEngineeringUniversity of Toledo

Corey VosslerSt. Marys, OhioMajor: MechanicalEngineeringUniversity of Dayton

Kevin LangstonPiqua, OhioMajor: ElectricalEngineeringKettering University

Drew MescherMinster, OhioMajor: ComputerEngineeringUniversity ofCincinnati

Justin JohnsonLong Beach, Calif.Major: MechanicalMaint./WeldingLong Beach CityCollege

SharissaMurphyWhite Rock,British Columbia, CanadaMajor: TechnologyTeacher EducationBritish Columbia Instituteof Technology

Stephen BlanchardKaty, TexasMajor: EngineeringPennsylvania StateUniversity

Daniel CossonNewYork, N.Y.Major: EngineeringColumbia University

Alanna CummingsLong Beach, Calif.Major: Sheet MetalLong Beach CityCollege

Robert JohnsonDowney, Calif.Major: Sheet MetalTechnologyLong Beach CityCollege

$2,500 Scholarships

833 Featherstone Road • Rockford, IL 61107 • 815-381-1337 • e-mail: foundation@fmanet.org

Cody Grebe*Milford, Mich.Major: EngineeringKettering University

$2,500 Donor Sponsored Scholarship

$5,000 Member Scholarships $500 GO-BrennanScholarships

Justin JohnsonLong Beach, Calif.Major: MechanicalMaint./WeldingLong Beach CityCollege

Dave LarsonOntario, N.Y.Major: WeldingTechnologyAlfred State College

Gary LawrenceWolcott, N.Y.Major: MotorcycleMechanic CertificationMotorcycle MechanicInstitute

Joseph LogsdonCorriganville, Md.Major: MfgEngineeringPennsylvania Collegeof Technology

Brian Lutomski*Granger, Ind.Major: EngineeringPurdue University

Tomasz KunaYonkers, N.Y.Major: MechanicalEngineeringManhattan College

Ryan ShenkSuwanee, Ga.Major: EngineeringGeorgia SouthernUniversity

*U.S. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics participant

9

Q:

A: You are not alone. Most companies are receiving higher electric bills, even those that are using less electricity. This fact is documented in the 2006 Annual Survey of Manufacturers, the most recent survey available. The chart below is taken from the survey and shows the figures for U.S. manufacturing industries (NAICS codes 31-33) and metal fabrication’s portion (NAICS codes 332) for the years 2003 through 2006, to show trends in usage and costs:

The year between 2004 and 2005 shows that the amount of electricity purchased by the entire manufacturing sector increased by nearly 4 percent, and the amount paid was approximately 9 percent higher. Between the years 2005 and 2006, however, the amount of electricity purchased decreased about 1 percent, but the costincreased nearly 6 percent.

Fabricated metal products followed the same trend. Between 2004 and 2005, the usage went up by about 6 percent, but the cost increased approximately 10 percent. Between 2005 and 2006, usage decreased slightly, but the cost increased about 10 percent.

Why the increase in cost? The reason largely lies in the way that electricity is produced. At this time, utility companies use coal to produce nearly 50 percent of the country’s electricity. Coal is burned to drive the steam turbines that generate electricity. Currently coal is preferred because it costs less than alternative sources such as solar or wind power. These sources are being experimented with, but building and operating renewable energy plants are more expensive than the plants currently in use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Also, many renewable energy plants, such as wind farms, are built in rural areas and require expensive means to transport electricity to the urban areas.

Another reason for the increase in costs is the increased demand for electricity. As other countries industrialize, they need more electricity, which increases the demand for coal. The United States has an abundance of coal and is supplying much of the demand. Total U.S. coal exports in 2007 were 59.2 million short tons, a level higher than any since 1998, according to the Department of Energy. The amount is likely to be higher this year, because the recent winter impacted other countries’ abilities to produce coal. Snowstorms in China cut its coal production this year while Australia, the world’s largest coal exporter, experienced heavy rains which flooded coal mines. These natural disasters and the increased global demand for electricity have forced other countries to import coal from the United States. The increased demand produces increased prices.

How can you manage these higher rates? Consider an energy audit by a qualified expert outside of your company. An expert can help you find methods to conserve energy, and find the best rates available to you from utility providers.

To help you find an expert, FMA offers the APPI Savings Solutions Program to its Advantage and AdvantagePlus members. Managed by Affiliated Power Purchases International (APPI), an independent consulting firm, the program helps FMA members identify possible methods to reduce utility costs such as electric bills. APPI services include finding and negotiating better rates, andrecuperatinganyovercharges.Theprocessisriskfree;youpaynothing until APPI outlines a cost savings plan and you decide to implement the recommendations.

More information about this benefit is found on the Members Only section at fmanet.org. FMA recently used this service and saved several thousands of dollars. One Advantage member recently used this service and saved over $80,000 just in rebates from previous charges!

Keep thinking green. It’s worth it.

As a member, you have access to the largest and most extensive library devoted to the metal forming and fabricating industry—a benefit reserved exclusively for members. FMA’s Research Assistance Center is the most efficient source for the information you need to optimize your operation. Advantage and AdvantagePlus Members enjoy unlimited FREE research, while Basic Members receive one hour of FREE research assistance per month. Get your research questions answered when you call the Research Assistance Center at 1-815-399-8700 or e-mail researchassistance@fmanet.org.

I’m trying to do my part for green manufacturing and have reduced my use of electricity. My electric bills, however, are much higher this year than last. I’ve had the electric company check my setup and everything is fine. Is anyone else experiencing this kind of increase?

Year Quantity electricity purchased

(in billions kWh) 31-33

Cost of purchased electricity (in $billions)

31-33

Quantity electricity purchased

(in billions kWh) 332

Cost of purchased electricity (in $billions)

332

2006 892.1 49.7 52.5 3.2

2005 901.4 46.3 52.9 2.9

2004 868.0 41.8 49.7 2.6

2003 821.4 40.6 42.3 2.6

10

BTD Manufacturing Inc. announced it acquired Miller Welding & Iron Works of Washington, Ill.

DeWys Manufacturing announced it is expanding in equipment and capacity. The company purchased a PERformER+ ABT® compact panel bender from Salvagnini Group.

Huot Manufacturing Co. has introduced new safety tool covers reduce industrial espionage of CNC tooling and manufacturing protocol. The new CNC tooling covers are built for use with many models of Huot’s popular Tool Scoot®.

J.L. Clark teamed up with PGA pro Robert Gamez to come in third at the Rockford Pro-Am 2008.

Voss Industries has been recognized for its three-year 271 percent increase in exports with the 2008 Presidential Export “E” Award - the highest honor the U.S. Government can give to firms that have made a significant contribution to the increase of American exports.

2008 Salary & Benefits Survey: Executives & Professionals Be sure to reserve your copy of the 2008 Salary & Benefits Survey for Professionals & Executives for the metal forming and fabricating industry. Members who completed the survey will receive the results for free. Nonparticipants may purchase the results for $75. To order or request sample pages, please contact customer service at 888-394-4362 or e-mail karlal@fmanet.org.

Show Ticket Enclosed A free show ticket has been included with this issue of Connections. Pass the ticket on to a colleague or use the ticket yourself at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, October 6-8 in Las Vegas. The ticket includes a reference to FMA’s booth (#1080) and entitles the holder to receive free entry into the show, a $50 value.

Dallas-area Members FMA is continuing its mission to get young people involved in the industry and is coming to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Bring your skilled young professionals for an evening of networking, food, and a tour of Texas Pro-Fab.

When: September 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where:TexasProFabCorp.•2151HuttonDrive•Carrollton,Texas75006•Texasprofab.com

Tour the shop, meet new people, enjoy great food and an after-work beer while getting to know your young professionals better, and meet lots of other folks who, just like you, are involved in the metal fabricating industry. Who knows, your next customer or supplier could be there, giving you a chance to jumpstart a new business relationship! This event is sponsored by Main Steel. To RSVP, contact Kimberly Pollard at 815-227-8284 or visit fmanet.org/ YPevent to register online.

“Fabrinomics” Free Trial for Basic Members If you are a Basic member, you’re missing out on a valuable new benefit. Commentary on--and summaries of--recent relevant business and economic stories are brought to Advantage-level members via “Fabrinomics,” a monthly e-newsletter by Dr. Chris Kuehl, FMA’s economic analyst. Visit fmanet.org/fabrinomics to sign up for a 6-issue trial.

see more details on pg. 5

11

Fax Ballot2008-2011 FMA Board of Directors

The annual membership meeting takes place at 8:00 a.m. (CDT) Oct. 30, 2008, at FMA headquarters in Rockford, Illinois. During the meeting, members will elect three directors to

serve on the FMA’s Board of Directors. If you will not be able to attend the meeting, your vote is important. Please check yes or no for each nomination of the candidates below for 3-year terms.

YES NO CANDIDATE

Vivek Gupta, Managing Director Texas ProFab Corp., Carrollton, Texas

Dan McLeod, Vancouver District Manager A.J. Forsyth, Div. of Russell Metals, Inc., Delta, BC, Canada

Tom Nederpel, Mfg. ManagerArcelor Mittal Tubular Products, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Please fax ballot by October 22, 2008 to:KimberlyPollard•815-484-7769

Company Name

Signature Date

Vivek Gupta, Managing Director Texas ProFab Corp.

Vivek’s education includes a BS in Computer Science and an MBA, both from the University of Texas. Following graduation in 2003, he joined Texas ProFab Corp. as Managing Director. He

has continued his education through attendance at many conferences covering a variety of industry topics. His role as Managing Director is to oversee and manage the entire company. Since 2003, the family enterprise has expanded into an emerging force in the industry. Texas ProFab is a precision sheet metal fabricator and finisher in the Dallas area. It is an ISO 9001:2000 Certified company. Vivek is a member of FMA’s Industrial Laser Council and spoke at the FMA-sponsored ALAW conference in 2007 where he received the second-highest speaker rating. Vivek has served one year on the FMA board as an Associate Director. This will be his first elected three-year term on the FMA Board.

Dan McLeod, District Mgr.-Vancouver A. J. Forsyth (A Div. of Russell Metals, Inc.)

Dan received his business education at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Douglas College. Since 1980, he has been employed by A. J. Forsyth in sales

positions, Processing Manager, CTLL Manager, Operations Manager, Sales Manager, and Branch Manager. A. J. Forsyth is a full line Steel Service Center. As District Manager, Dan has management responsibility for Forsyth’s Vancouver Operation, plus some B.C. regional duties. Dan is a founding member of FMA’s Plate Processing and Fabricating Council and has served since March 2006. This will be his first elected three-year term on the FMA Board.

Tom Nederpel, Manufacturing Mgr. ArcelorMittal Tubular Products - Hamilton

Tom joined Dofasco Inc. in 1969 and has assumed increasing responsibilities with the company. In 1998, he became Manager of the Hot Rolled and Tubular Products facilities

and business areas at Dofasco. Tom joined the TPA Producers Council in 2004 and currently serves as Chair. He became a member of the FMA Education Committee in 2004. In 2005, Nederpel hosted the 2005 Tube Producing Conference in Hamilton at Dofasco Inc. Dofasco Inc. is a fully integrated steelmaker specializing in a broad range of high quality flat rolled products. Dofasco’s products serve major North American markets including automotive, construction, energy, manufacturing, container, and steel distribution. This will be his first elected three-year term on the FMA Board.

Candidate Biographies

Connectionsmember newsletter

september/october 2008

Connections StaffEditorKimberly Pollard kimp@fmanet.orgContributing WritersD’Ann Hamilton, Dena MattauschMember Services & Research DirectorNancy OlsonMembership Operations &Customer Service ManagerJill KlugGraphic DesignerSarah Currie

Contact usCustomer service: 888-394-4362 or 815-399-8775Fax: 815-381-1371FMA e-mail: info@fmanet.orgFMA Website: www.fmanet.orgTPA e-mail: info@tpatube.orgTPA Website: www.tpatube.orgFMA Connections is published bimonthly by:Fabricators & Manufacturers Associa-tion, International®

Tube & Pipe Association, International®

833 Featherstone Rd.Rockford, IL 61107-6302 USA